Timing mechanism



Jam. 2, 1940.

A. c. ARBoGAs'r TIMING IIECHANISK Original Filed Dec. 15. 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet l HEADS ATTORNEYS Jan. 2, 1940. A, c, ARBOGAST 2,185,394

TIMING MCHANISM OriginalAFled Dec. 13, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 5 INVENTOR,

BY@ mf ATTORNEYS Wall 2 1940 A. c. ARBOGAsT 2,185,394

TIMING IIEGHIAJIISMI Original Filed Dec. 13, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 03 y fo f INVENTOR.'

ATTORNEY.

.Nimmo 2, E940. A, C, ARBQGAST 2,185,394

TIMING MECHANISM K Original Filed Dec. 13, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 H Ul 5o 4+ 4+ 44 k INVENTOR.

Patented lJan. 2, 1940 TIMIN G MECHANISM Alfred C. Arbogast, Elkhart, Ind., assignor to Northern Indiana Brass Company, Elkhart, Ind., a corporation ol' Indiana @riginal application December 13, 1935, Serial No. 54,193. Divided and this application July 9,1938, Serial No. 218,317

21 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in timing mechanism.

This is a division of my copendiing application Serial No. 54,193, filed December 13, 1935, now

a Patent No. 2,146,878, for Automatic sprinkler systems ,The objects of the invention are:

First, to provide a sprinkler system comprising a plurality of sprinkler units which may be timed so that the units will cut in automatically and successively and will each be automatically and successively cut out after a predetermined period of operation.

Second, to provide a system of this type in which the control means can be adjusted to time the various units and to vary the time of operation as desired.

Third, to provide a system of the type described characterized by the reliability of the valve timing thereof.

Fourth, to provide a timing device of broad utility for initiating successive operations or steps in predetermined timed relation, the said device being fully adjustable to adapt the same to Whatever application it is desired.

Fifth, to provide timing mechanism for an automatic sprinkling system, which is simple in operation, being characterized by a minimum of moving parts;

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is dened and pointed out in the claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a sprinkler system embodying the invention, a single sprinkler unit valve being illustrated, parts being broken away and sectioned for convenience in illustration.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the control timing panel with the cover plate removed, viewed along line 2-2 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the control timing panel.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view in section on line @-4 of Fig. 2.

50 Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail view of the control panel showing the valve timing dial and certain of the elements associated therewith.

Fig. 6 is a similar view illustrating the master or starting timing dial.

5g Fig. 7 is a sectional View along the line 1-1 of Fig. 1, illustrating one of the solenoid actuated controlling valves.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view in perspective of one of the valve timing cams and contact assemblies associated therewith. 5

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the master timing cams and contacts.

Fig. 10 is a wiring diagram for the system, various elements of the latter being shown diagrammatically,

The automatic sprinkling system forming the subject matter of this invention comprises settable clock means for determining the time at which the valves in a sprinkling system may be opened to permit flow of water in the various units. AThe control valves are actuated by solenoids, the timing of the current to each solenoid being regulated by the timing means aforesaid. Each valve governs the fluid pressure in a valve casing forming a part of the unit, so that' by the consecutive actuation of the successive solenoids, a plurality of units may be successively placed in or out of operation. A single sprinkler unit is illustrated and only one sprinkler of that unit. However, a series of the control valves are indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, a supply pipe from va main header is indicated by the reference numeral l. vIt will be understood that'a main header supplies water to a plurality of unit supply pipes, the number thereof being dependent upon the number of sprinkler units included in the system. Pipe l is connected to a valve casing 2 to deliver water to the intake chamber 3 thereof. Connecting the intake chamber with a discharge chamber 4 is a valve opening or port 5 having a beveled seat 6. 'Ihe discharge or spray unit pipe l is connected to casing 2 at the chamber 4 and communicates in turn with sprinkling heads 'l'. Coacting with the valve seat 6 is a valve 8 connected to a pair of plungers I5, I6, adapted to actuate the valve. The plunger I6 is larger than the plunger I5 and the two plungers slide in portions of the valve casing 2 of a diameter corresponding to that of the plungers. The upper end of the casing is covered by a head in which is tapped a pipe fitting 3|] connected to a pressure relief or exhaust pipe 3l.

The foregoing valve structure constitutes a differential pressure arrangement for governing the ow of fluid past the valve 5. This arrangement-per se constitutes the subject matter of my copending application Serial No. 54,193 mentioned above to which reference may be had to ascertain further structure and operation. of the valve device.

The exhaust pressure relief pipe carries at its opposite end a fitting 32 which is tapped into the valve body 33 of a solenoid controlled valve actuating device 34. The valve body 33, as indicated in Fig. '7 is bored to provide passages 35, 36 and 31 communicating respectively with fitting 32. `with a clean-out opening 38 having a closure plug 39, and with an exhaust elbow fitting 48 connected to a pipe 4I leading to a drain 42. A plunger valve 43 is arranged to slide in valve body 33 to govern the fiow of water through passages 35, 36 and 31, depending upon the position of the valve. Valve 43 is actuated by a solenoid 44 mounted in a casing 45 above valve body 33 and secured thereto by screws 46.

The operation of the differential pressure valve device disclosed in Fig. 1 is controlled by the plungers I5 and I6, valve 8 and a supply pipe I.

I have shown the elements making up one unit only, for the purpose of simplicity of illustration. In Fig. 1, I have indicated by dotted lines a plurality of the control valve and sprinkler units.

The reference numeral 49 indicates a suitable conduit carrying therein a plurality of electrical conductors 58 which are appropriately connected to the solenoid terminals. At their opposite ends, 4conductors 58 are connected to terminals 5I marked 1, 2", 3, 4 on panel 52.

Adjacent the panel 52, I mount means for timing the successive energization of the solenoids 44 whereby to actuate control valves 43, cornprising a master or' starting timing synchronous motor 53 and a valve timing motor 54. These motors are identical, being a well known type of synchronous motor, geared by reduction gearing (not shown) to drive shafts- 55 and 56 at the rate of one revolution in twenty-four hours and one revolution in four hours, respectively. Shafts 55 and 56 are journaled in plates 51 and 58 which likewise support mechanism to be hereinafter described for governing the fiow of current in conductors 58.

Shaft 55 carries at' the upper end thereof a pair of cams 59, 68 preferably of insulating material, which are adjustably secured together for rotation on the shaft. As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 9. cams 59 and 60 are similar in that a notch or drop 6I is formed in each of them, the notches being offset angularly around the shaft 55. Pivoted on a stem 62 carried by plate 51 are a pair of blocks 63 of insulating material, the upper block carrying a resilient conducting finger 64, While the lower blockhas a resilient conducting finger 65 mounted thereon. Fingers 64, 65 are resiliently pressed, against cams 59 and 68 respectively by coil vsprings 66, 61 secured at one end to clips 660 on blocks 63 and at the other end to a post 68 carried by plate 51. As clearly shownnin Fig. 9, fingers 64 and 65 are provided withmutually facing or opposed coacting contacts 69 mounted on offsets 18 on said fingers. Mounted on each of blocks 63 at the side thereof opposite fingers 64 and 65 are rearwardlyextending conductors 1|` 12 having contacts 13 secured thereto, the contacts 13 being in mutually facing or opposed coacting relation.

Finger 64 is electrically connected by a conductor 14 to a terminal 15 which, during the operation of the unit, is supplied with operating voltage, while finger 65 is connected to terminal 16 by a conductor 11. Cam contacting finger 64 is electrically connected to rearwardly extending conductor 1| and finger 65 is connected to conductor 12 by screws 18 extending through blocks 63. Accordingly, in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 9. in which finger 65 has passed notch 6I of cam 60, inasmuch as contacts 69 are together, current fiows through conductor 14, finger 64, contacts 69. finger 65, conductor 11 and into a further conductor 19 which is connected to terminal 16. Current likewise fiows at this time from fingers 64 and 65 through screws 18, conductors 1|, 12, and through a conductor 88 connected to the latter to a terminal 8| of motor 54.

Terminal 8| has likewise connected thereto a conductor 82 leading to a terminal 83 on an insulated cut-out block 84 which is pivotally mounted at 85 on the lower side of upper ldial panel 86 covering plates 51, 58 and the structure mounted on the plates. Block 84 has a further terminal 81 therein to which is connected conductor 88 leading to a switch v89. The switch is connected to one of the line terminals 98 by a conductor 9|. Conductor 68 is connected to conductor 14 at terminal 15 through switch 89.

Current is furnished to motor 54 from terminals 92, 93 of motor 53. which are connected by conductors 94, 95 respectively toline terminals 98 on panel 52. The circuit for motor 54 is as follows: Terminal 98 through conductor 96, terminal 91, motor 54, terminal 8|, conductor 62, cut-out block 84, conductor 68, switch 89, conductor 9|, and terminal 98.

Solenoid actuating current fiows to finger 66 through conductor 14 connected at terminal 16 as hereinbefore described, terminal 16 being connected at switch 89 to the line voltage by a conductor not shown.

Upon the making of the circuit just described, motors 53 and 54 areactuated and solenoid energizing current in addition fiows through conductor 11, terminal 16 andv conductor 19 to the valve timing mechanism.

Mounted for rotation together with cams 59, 68 on shaft 55 at the-upper end thereof, I provide a setting clip 98 having an upstanding nib 99 for coaction with notches |08 on the periphery of a calibrated master or starting dial |8I, which is fixedly mounted on shaft 55. Clip 98 drives cams 59. 68 through dial I8| which is driven by shaft 55. When nib 99 is engaged in a notch |88, cams 59, 68 will be rotated by shaft 55. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 6. clip 98 is bent so as to extend above cover plate 86 for manual setting. An orienting pointer |02 facilitates setting of the clip.

Referring now to Figs. 2. 4 and 8, the valve timing mechanism is driven from shaft 56 which is journaled in a sleeve |83 mounted on plate 58. Calibrated valve timing dial I 84 is fixed to the upper end of shaft 56 by a screw |85. Surrounding sleeve |83, l provide further telescoped or concentrically disposed sleeves |86, |81, |88, |89 each of which has rigidly mounted at the lower end thereof a cam II8 of insulating material and a setting clip III at the upper end thereof overlying plate 58. Clips III are provided with nibs or teeth ||2 coacting with notches II3 in call- 75 brated valve timing dialIIII andare marked 1, 1

4 for identification. p l Disposed adjacent cams I I0,I Aprovide a .circuit making and breaking assembly forv each solenoid to be controlled. The structure thereof is shown in Fig. 8 and consists of a pair of blocks ||5, ||6,

block |I5 being rigidly clamped to a stem or post Y l mounted on plate 58, while block ||6 is freely rotatable on the same post.

Block ||6 carries a resilient conducting finger ||8 slidable on cam I during the rotation thereof. Contacts l I9 are mounted on finger |I8 and on a conductor |20 carried by fixed block ||5. At the side thereof opposite finger |I8 and conductor |20, blocks IIE, IIB are provided with conducting members I2I carrying mutually facing contacts |22. The construction of the four block assemblies controlled by cams H0 is similar though the arrangement of the parts differs slightly, and the same reference numerals indicate corresponding parts. For the purpose of conveniently enabling contact iingers I I8 to engage cams IIU, I have reversed the mounting of blocks I|5, ||6 on stems IIT, xed block ||being uppermost in two contact block assemblies, generally designated A, B respectively in Fig. 2 and lowermost in the other two assemblies designated C, D respectively in Fig. 2.

Conductor |20 on. fixed block ||5 is electrically connected to conducting member |2I on the opposite side thereof by a screw |23 extending through the block. In the case of the two contact assemblies A, B, the connecting wire |24 extends from conductor I2| on pivoted block ||6 of -one assembly A to conductor |20 on fixed block I|5 of the succeeding assembly B, and the output conducting wires |25 extend from conductor fingers IIB to terminals 5| on panel 52.

The conducting fingers I8 are resiliently urged against cams |I|| by means of springs |26 one end of each of which is attached to an anchoring lug |21 on block I|6 and the other end to a post It will be noted that in the case of the two above noted contact block assemblies A, B the finger ||8 is urged by its cam ||0 in a direction to engage contacts IIS, whereas in the other two assemblies, designated C, D in Fig. 2, the finger I8 is urged by the cam in the opposite direction, i. e., in a direction to separate contacts |19 and engage contacts |22. In order that the four assemblies shown shall operate in the same manner, I reverse the connection of the output and connecting leads |25, |24, respectively, for the assemblies C, D whereby the solenoid energizing or output circuit, rather than an assembly connecting circuit, is completed through contacts |22 when finger |I8 drops ofi the cam shoulder. Thus, in the latter two cases, the output lead |25 is connected to the conductor |2| on pivoted block I|6, while the connecting leads |24 for assemblies C,-D are connected between the finger IIB on the pivoted block of assembly C and the conductor |30 on the fixed block of assembly D, completing a circuit therebetween when the contacts I I9 are brought together, and the connector |24 between assemblies D and A extends from finger ||8 on the former to conductor |20 on the latter.

'Ihe aforesaid reversal of connections is a Inatter of convenience only, the timing of the completion of the circuits in all cases being similar and depending on'the passage of finger ||8 past the shoulder of cam III). The only difference is that in the two cases A, B the solenoid energizing circuit is controlled through contacts lIIB while the.connectingicircuitIv om neasfsembly to the j next is controlled.throughcontacts |22, and in trolled through,lcontactsj|2"2 while the assembly connecting current' flowsv :hrouglivcontacts ||9.`

1n each case-the-onductqrs120,121;on the fixed -block are electricallytconnected while; the finger v the other two cases Cj.Dfthefoutputf-circuit is con- I8 and contactV I2|yon1the pivoted block-are insulated from one'another, Y

The input lead-I9 Vf oy th 41min contact assemblies is connected to `qziricluctor` l| 2Ilon the fixed block ||5 of jthe.,lo ermost assembly `'as viewed in Fig. 2;

provide a shoulder |29; an"i`ntermediate step |30vv and a secondshoulder |3I; tothe end .that upon release of nger ||8 when 4shoulder impasses it, the previously existing contact between contacts .|22 will be broken, yet contacts ||9 will be restrained from coming into e1ectrical'.connection for a brief period of time while finger IIBis in contact with step |30. This period is preferably about a minute and forty seconds, though it may be more or less depending on the extent. of step l Y y* Assuming that current lis being supplied to the lowermost .contact block assembly C illustrated in Fig-2, iiowing through lead to the conductor |20 on'xed block ||5 and the contacts |22 being engaged as. shown, aicircuit'to the corresponding solenoid is completed as follows:,Lead 19, conductor |20, screw |23, vfinger |2| on xecl block ||5, contacts |22, finger |2| on pivoted block ||6, output conducting wire |25,'and terminal 5| to the solenoid, This circuit kis maintained until finger ||8 drops oi cam shoulder |20 onto step |30, whereupon both pairs of contacts I0, |22 are broken for a short interval and no current flows. After the finger drops off step |30, contacts |I9 arev engaged and a connecting circuit through conductor |20, contacts ||9, finger ||8, and lead |24 is completed to the conductor |20 on the succeeding assembly D. This succeeding assembly controls the iiow of electricity to a succeeding solenoid and cuts the same off after a predetermined interval in the same manner as described above. Following termination of the second energizing circuit, third and fourth circuits are successively made and broken in a similar manner, with the exception that the output or solenoid energizing current fiows through contacts H9 and the assembly connecting circuit includes contacts |22.

By the above describedv mechanism, a unit is provided which will successively initiate flow through a number of hydraulic valves, which in turn control numerous sprinklers, and maintain it for a predetermined length of time, each hydraulic valve being automatically cut out after its period of operation has elapsed. Further, a short interval passes between operation of succeeding hydraulic valves. I have found it desirable to space cams 50 and 80 so that four hours elapse between the time when finger 65 on lower block 63 snaps over the notch 6| on cam 60 to bring contacts 69 and 'I3 together, thus energizing motor 54 and furnishing current through conductor I9 to the initial valve timing assembly, and the time when finger 64 on the upper block 63 snaps over notch 6| in cam 59 to permit the contacts 69 and 'I3 to separate and break the solenoid circuit.

In order to interrupt the current supplying motor 54, I utilize a cut-out block which is pivoted to the under side of cover plate 86 'at 85.

- ods.

Connected to terminal 83 thereon, which has been described, is a resilient bent conductor |32 provided at the free end thereof with a contact |33. Conductor |32 extends past a post |34 mounted between plates 58 and 86 and provided with an insulating jacket |35. A bent conductor |36 is connected to terminal 81 on block 84 and carries a contact |31 facing contact |33 and normally in engagement therewith.v Block 84 is provided with an actuating arm in the form of va bent rod |38 extending in the path of a tappet |39 fixed to rotating valve timing dial |04 and depending therefrom. By the structure described, at a predetermined time tappet |39 impinges against rod |38 to rock block 84 about its axis and separate contact |31 from contact |33, inasmuch as contact |33 is restrained by insulated post |34. Accordingly, the circuit supplying motor 54 will be broken and its operation cease.

Switch 89 is placed in the circuit,- to the end that the operation of then unit maybe interrupted at will.

It will be apparent that a plurality of units such as I have described may be hooked together for control by the master timing motor, by changing the position of cams 59 and 60 to compensate for the addition of one or more units. Current may be led to such units from conductor 2| of the final pivoted block ||6 of the present unit and through the duplication of elements and connections of the present assembly which need not be described.

As illustrated in Fig, 5, dial |04 is calibrated over one-half of its periphery in twelve major divisions indicating a two hour period. Notches ||3 are placed at equal two and one-half minute spaces between these divisions and appropriately indicated by marks so that timing clips may be set for inauguration of operation of their corresponding hydraulic valves at any chosen time. In the embodiment illustrated, the

setting is made to operate successive solenoid valves for sixty-five, ten, five, and ten minutes. The difference between the nibs on` the clips marked l and 2" is the duration of time for the clip marked 2. The same applies to clip marked 3 and clip marked 2, and the time of operation in this case would be ve minutes, as each notch on dial |04 is for a duration of two and one-half minutes.

Fig. 6 indicates the mode of Calibrating master or starting dial |0|, the facel thereof Leing divided into twenty-four hour periods with notches |00 formed therein at half hour perllI'he portion of the dial between the six o'clock calibrations is shaded to indicate night and day periods. The setting in Fig. '6 indicates that at six o'clock in the evening finger 65 will fall ofi notch 6| in cam 60 to energize the unit for a four hour period.

vIt will be understood that dials |0| and |04 -are to be correctly oriented with the respective pointers |02 prior to operation. Dial |0| should be vsety with respect to shaft so that pointer |02 indicates the time of day on the dial at the time of setting. Dials |0| and |04 are calibrated and locked into position by screw |05.

In Fig. l0 I illustrate diagrammatically the more important of th instrumentalities as described above, together with a wiring diagram showing the circuits through which the clock motors and valve actuating solenoids are` energized. Certain portions of the diagram have been conventionalized or simplified for the sake of clarity. Y'

Having reference to Fig. 10, it will be seen that master clock motor 53 is continually energized through the 11G-volt supply wires 95, 94. Assuming switch 39 is closed and contact |31 is opened by the engagement of tappet |39 with rod |30 and likewise assuming contacts 69, 13 to be open, no current iiows through synchronous clock motor 54 or through the timing system of circuit interrupters for the valve actuating solenoids 44. When finger 65 falls off cam 60 on the master motor shaft 55, making contacts at 69 and 13, a circuit (A) is completed through switch 89, wire 14, finger 64, contact 69, fingers 65,.12, wire 00, synchronous clock motor 54, 'and wire 96 to return wire 94, thus initially energizing and starting timing clock motor 54 and rotating shaft 56 on which the dial carrying tappet |39 and the timing .ms ||0 are mounted. This occurs at the beginning of the sprinkling period.

Simultaneously with the energization of motor 54, as described, tappet |39 passes rod |38, permitting contact |31 to be made and completing a circuit (B) through switch 89, contact |31, wir'e 82, synchronous motor 54, wire 96 to wire 94. Circuit (B) serves to keep motor 54 in operation even after contact 69 has been broken at the end of the sprinkling period and may be described as a sustaining circuit for clock motor 54.

When contacts 69, 13 are brought together by v the passing of finger off the shoulder of cam 60, a solenoid energizing circuit (C) is also comypleted through switch 89, wire 14, finger 94, contact 69, finger 65, wire 11, wire 19, first contact I|9 (assuming it to be closed), wire |25, one of the solenoids 44, and the return wire 94. Accordingly, the first valve 43 is opened and the corresponding or firstsprinkler brought into play. When the just mentioned contact ||9 isv initially broken by the dropping of finger ||8 off the shoulder of its cam ||0, circuit (C) is broken and the actuation of the first sprinkler is interrupted. When the corresponding contact |22 is made, a vcircuit (C) is completed through switch 99, wire 14, finger 64, contact, 69, finger 65, wire 11, wire 19, first contact |22, to the second contact ||9 for the actuation of the second sprinkler, which second contact ||9 is at that time closed. The second sprinkler is thus brought into play and operates for the desired period of time as determined by the set-l ting of the clips after which its operation is interrupted in like manner to that described with reference to the first sprinkler through the breaking of circuit (C). which circuit is' completed and interrupted in corresponding manner not necessary to further describe in detail.

Upon the breaking of the last circuit, the oper-y ation of the final sprinkler is te:mixiated and at' `this time finger 64 passes off the shoulder of cam 59 breaking contacts 69,-13 and interrupting circuits (A) and (C). However, since sustaining circuit (B) is maintained, the operation of motor. 54 continues until its dial setting ls brought back' to the starting point or zero, at which time tappet |39 engages finger |38 to break contact |31 and circuit (B), thus halting the operation of synchronous l clock motor 54.- The various timing parts are thus restored to initial position ready forI a subsequent cycle on the next day when the dial iii oi' the master clock 53 reaches the hour at which the sprinkling period is to start.

Obviously, the initiation and termination of the sprinkling period may be controlled as desired, likewise the period of operation of the individual sprinkler heads. Tappet |39 is so arranged as to pass out of engagement with finger i 38 at the time when finger 65 passes off the shoulder of cam 60, whereby synchronous motor 54 and circuit (C) are simultaneously energized.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided a sprinkler system which is positive in action and completely automatic. The timing means I have found to be reliable and its flexibility is apparent. Although particular reference has been made in the foregoing discussion to its application in a sprinkler system, those skilled in the art will appreciate that my timing unit has broad utility in any adaptation wherein a plurality of operations are to be definitely timed throughout a predetermined period and caused to repeat in like timed relation during a subsequent period. The parts of the unit are relatively simple and few in number. l

I have illustrated and described my improvements in an embodiment which I consider very practical. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations as it is believed this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my improvements as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim asnew and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. In an automatic sprinkler control of the type described, the combination of a plurality of solenoids adapted to be sucessively actuated, and timing means controlling the supply of current to said solenoids, comprising a synchronous motor, timing cams driven thereby, sets of timing contacts controlled by said cams, and means including connecting and output conductors respectively electrically connecting said sets together in succession as the cams are actuated by the motor,

and electrically connecting each set to one oi' said solenoids, and return electrical connections from said solenoids whereby current is caused to ilow successively through said solenoids for predetermined intervals in accordance with the -relative positioning of the cams with reference to one another, said timing cams having delay portions for maintaining each set of contacts in an intermediate position wherein no current flows to the I solenoid corresponding thereto nor to a succeeding set of contacts andits corresponding solenoid for a predetermined interval. y

2. A timing device for a sprinkler system including a plurality of solenoid actuated governors adapted to be actuated in timed sequence with a predetermined short interval elapsing between the actuations of the solenoids of the governors, said device controlling the supply of current to the solenoids of said governors and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means driven thereby comprising a plurality of timing cams, and sets of timing contacts controlled by said timing cams, and means for manually adjusting the angular position of the individual timing cams, a master synchronous motor, a pair of cams driven thereby, master contacts having :Fingers engaging .and controlled by said last named cams connected to said timing motor whereby actuation of said timing motor is con-.

trolled, and means for manually adjusting the position of said last named cams, means electrically connecting said master and timing contacts, and conductors connecting said sets of timing contacts together and to said solenoids whereby current is caused to flow successively to said solenoids for predetermined intervals, said timing cams each being provided with a notched portion to permit the contacts controlled by a timing cam to be broken so that no current flows to the corresponding solenoid and to prevent ow of current `to a succeeding set of contacts and solenoid for said predetermined short interval.

3. A timing device for a system including a plurality of electrically-actuated governors adapted a master synchronous motor, a cam driven thereby, a master contact controlled by said cam and connected to said timing motor whereby actuation of said timing motor is initiated, means electrically connecting said master and timing contacts, and conductors connecting said sets of timing contacts together and to said governors whereby current is caused to ilow successively to said governors for predetermined intervals, said timing cams each being provided with a notched portion to permit the contacts controlled by a timing cam to be broken so that no current flows to the corresponding governor and to prevent ilow oi' current to a succeeding set of contacts and governor for said predetermined short interval.

4. A timing device for a system including a plurality of electrically-actuated governors adapted to be actuated in timed sequence with a predetermined short interval elapsing between the actuations of the governors, said device controlling the supply oi' current to the governors and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means driven thereby comprising a plurality of timing cams, a master synchronous motor, a cam driven thereby, a master contact controlled by said cam and connected to said timing motor whereby actuation of said timing motor is controlled. means electrically connecting said master and timing contacts, and conductors connecting said sets of timing contacts together and to said governors whereby current is caused to ow successively to said governors for predetermined intervals, said timing cams each being provided with a notched portion to permit the contacts controlled by a timing camv to be `broken so that no current ows to the corresponding governor and to prevent flow of current to a succeeding set of contacts and governor for said predetermined short interval.

5. A timing device for a system includingelectrically-actuated mechanisms adapted to be actuated in timed sequence with a predetermined -short interval elapsing between the actuations of the mechanisms, said device controlling thev supply of current to said mechanisms and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means electrically connecting said master and certain of said output contacts, and means electrically connecting said output contacts together whereby current is caused to flow successively to said output contacts for predetermined intervals, said timing cams each being providedwith a notched portion to permit the contacts controlled by a timing cam to be broken so that no current flows therefrom and to prevent ow of current to succeeding output contacts for said predetermined short interval.

6. A timing device for a system including electrically actuated mechanisms adapted to be actuated in timed sequence with a predetermined short interval elapsing between the actuations of the mechanisms, said device controlling the supply of current to said mechanisms and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means driven thereby comprising a plurality of timing cams, and output contacts controlled by said timing cams, a master synchronous motor,

a master contact electrically connected to saidk contacts controlled by a timing cam to be broken s0 that no current'l ows therefrom and to prevent flow of current to succeeding output contacts for said predetermined short interval.

7. A timing device for a sprinkler system including a plurality of solenoid actuated governors adapted to be actuated in timed sequence, said device controlling the supply of current to the solenoi-ds of said governors and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means driven thereby comprising a plurality of timing cams,

and sets of timing contacts controlled by saidY timing cams, and means for manually adjusting the angular position of the individual timing cams, a master synchronous motor, a pair of cams driven thereby, master contacts having iingers engaging said cams and connected to said timing motor whereby actuation of said timing motor is controlled, and means for manually adjusting the position of saidcams, means electrically connecting said master and timing contacts, and conductors connecting said sets of timing contacts together and to said solenoids whereby current is caused to flow successively to said solenoids for predetermined intervals.

8. A timing device for a system including a plurality of electrically-actuated governors adapted to be actuated in timed sequence, said device controlling the supply of current to the governors and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means driven thereby comprising a plurality of timing cams, sets of timing contacts controlled by said timing cams, and means for manually adjusting the angular position of the individual timing cams, a master synchronous motor, a cam driven thereby, a master contact controlled by said cam and connnected to said timing motor whereby actuation of said timing motor is initiated, means electrically connecting -said master and timing contacts, and conductors connecting said sets of timing contacts together andto said governors whereby current is caused to flow successively to said governors for predetermined intervals.

9. A timing device for a system including electrically-actuated mechanisms adapted to be actuated in timed sequence with a predetermined short interval elapsing between the actuations of the mechanisms, said device controlling the supply of current to said mechanisms and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means driven thereby comprising a plurality of timing cams, output contacts controlled by said timing cams, and means for adjusting the relative anguiar position of the individual timing cams, a

master synchronous motor, a master contact electrically connected to said timing motor and controlled by said master motor whereby actuation of said timing. motor is controlled, and means electrically connecting said master and certain of said timing contacts, and means electrically connecting said output contacts together whereby current is caused to ow successfully to said output contacts for predetermined intervals, said timing cams each having provision to permit the contacts controlled by a timing cam to be broken so that no current flows therefrom and to prevent iiow of current to succeeding output contacts for said predetermined short interval.

l0. A timing device for a system including electrically-actuated mechanisms adapted to be actuated in timed sequence with a predetermined short interval clasping between the actuations `of the mechanisms, said device controlling the supply of current to said mechanisms and comprising a synchronous timing motor, timing means driven thereby comprising a plurality of timing cams, and output contacts controlled by said timing cams, a master synchronous motor, a master contact electrically connected to said timing motor and controlled by said master motor whereby actuation of said timing motor is controlled, and means electrically connecting said master and certain of said timing contacts, and means electrically connecting said output con- ,tacts together whereby current is caused to flow successively to said output contacts for predetermined intervals, said timing cams each having provision to permit the contacts controlled by a timing cam to be broken so that no current iiows therefrom and to prevent flow of current to succeeding output contacts for said predetermined short interval.

11. A timing device for a sprinkler system having a plurality of electrically-operated sprinkler units adapted to be actuated successively and for predetermined variable periods, said device comprising a plurality of contact members controlling the ow of energizing current to said units, certain of said contact members controlling the supply of current to other contact members, individual cam means for actuating each of said members to complete an energizing output circuit to a corresponding unit and to break said output circuit after a predetermined period and complete a connecting and energizing circuit to a succeeding contact member, said actuating cam means having provision for providing a short time lapse between the breaking and making of said last named circuit, adjustable driving means for the actuating means for said contact members permitting adjustment of the same relative to one another to control the period of energ'ization of said respective units, comprising a motor-driven clock mechanism having a shaft on which said actuating means are mounted, and means for angularly adJusting said actuating cam means on the shaft, and cam controlled contact means for governing the initiation and termination of the circuit after a predetermined period and comi plete a connecting and energizing circuit to a succeeding contact member, adjustable driving means for the actuating 'means `for said contact members permitting adjustment of the same relative to one another to control the period of energization of said respective units, comprising a motor-driven clock mechanism having a shaft on which said actuating means are mounted, and means for angularly adjusting said actuating means on the shaft, `and cam controlled contact means for governing the initiation and termination of the supply of current to the motor-driven clock mechanism and to said energizing circuits.

13. A timing device for a vsprinklerv system having a plurality of electrically-operated sprinkier units adapted to be actuated successively and for predetermined variable periods, said device comprising afplurality of contact members controlling the flow of energizing current to said units, certain of said contact members controlling the supply of current to other contact members, individual means for actuating each of said members to complete an energizing output circuit to a corresponding unit and to vbreak said output circuit after a predetermined period and complete a connecting and energizing circuit to" a succeeding contact member, and adjustable driving means for the actuating 'means for said contact members permitting adjustment of the same relative to one another to control the period of energization of said respective units, comprising a motor-driven clock mechanism having a shaft on which said actuating means are mounted, and means for angularly adjusting said actuating means on the shaft.

. 14. A timing device for a system having a plurality of electrically-operated units adaptedto be actuated successively and for predetermined variable periods, said device comprising a plurality of contact members controlling the owof current to said units, certain of said contact members controlling the supply of current to other contact members, means for actuating said members to complete an output circuit to a corresponding unit and to break said output circuit after a predetermined period and complete a circuit to a succeeding contact member, said actuating means having provision for providing a short time lapse between the breaking and variable periods, said device comprising a pluralf ity of contact members controlling the flow of currentto said units, certain of said contact members controlling the supply of current to other contact members, means for actuating said members to complete an output circuit to a corresponding unit and to break said output circuit after a predetermined periodA and complete a circuit to a succeeding contact member, said actuating means having provision for providing a short time lapse between the breaking and making of said last named circuit, and adjustable means for driving the actuating means for said contact members and to permit control of the period of energization of said 'respective units.

16. A timing device for a system having a pluand thereafter to break said output circuits and complete circuits to succeeding contact members. said actuating means comprising a plurality of rotary cams actuated by said timing clock, each operatively engaging a contact member to actuate the same and having provision in the form of a notch in the periphery thereof to assure the lapse of a predetermined interval between the breaking and making of said last-named circuits. means for adjusting the relative angular position of said cams to vary the time of initiation and duration of said periods, means for adjusting said means driven by said master clock to govern the over-all period during which current is supplied to said contact members, and means for terminating the operation of said timing clock after a predetermined period of operation.

17. A timing device for a system having a plurality of electrically-operated units adapted to be successively brought into operation for predetermined but variable periods, comprising a continuously operative motor driven master clock and an intermittently-operative motordriven timing clock, means driven by said master clock for governing the initiation of a supply of `energizing current to said timing clock, a plurality of contact members adapted to be successively supplied with output current for said units, means for actuating said contact members to complete successive output circuits to said units and thereafter tc break said output circuits and complete circuits to succeeding contact members, said actuating means comprising a plurality of cams, each operatively engaging a contact member to actuate the same, means for adjusting the relative position of said cams to vary the time of initiation and duration of saidperiods, and means for adjusting said means driven by said master clock to govern the over-all period during which current is supplied to said contactl members.

18. A timing device for a system having a plurality of electrically operated units adapted to be successively brought into operation for variable periods, comprising a master clock and a motor driven timing clock, a plurality of contact members adapted to be successively suplcompletesuccessive output circuits to said units `plied with output current for said units, individual means controlled by said timing clock for actuating said contact members to complete successive output circuits to said unitsfand thereafter to. break said output circuits and complete circuitsv to succeeding contact members, said actuating means being adjustable to determine the duration of said periods and having provision to assure the lapse of a predetermined interval between the breaking and making of said last named circuits, means-1f4 driven by said master clock for governing tlfeinitiation of the supply of energizing vcurrent to said contact members,

and means for adjusting said means driven' by.

said master clock to govern the over-all period during which current is supplied to said contact members.

19. A timing device for a system having a plu' vrality of electrically operated units adapted to be successively brought into operation for vari- -able periods, comprising a master clock and a motor driven timing clock, a plurality o'f contact members adapted tobe successively supplied with output current for said units, individual means 25.'

` contact members to complete successive output circuits to said units and thereafter to break said controlledby said timing clock for actuating said output circuits and complete circuits to succeedi'ng contact members, said actuating means being adjustable to determine the duration Aof said periods, means driven by said master clock for .governing the initiation of the supply of energizing current to said contact members, and means for adjusting said means driven by said master clock to govern the over-al1 period during which current is supplied to said contact members.

20. A timing mechanism for controlling flow of current to a plurality of electrically actuated devices adapted to be energized in successie/Infor predetermined periods comprising a master'fmotor, a timing motor controlled by said master motor, contact means, means for actuating salti contact means comprising a plurality of timing cams driven by said timing motor and operatively engaging said contact means, control means driven by said master motor, a circuit for energizing said contacts governed by said control means, and circuits for successively energizing said devices through said contact means, said last named circuits being controlled by said timing cams.

21. Artiming mechanism wfor controlling flow of current to a plurality of electrically actuated devices adapted to be energized in succession for predetermined periods comprising a master motor, a timing motor controlled by said master motor, contact means, means for actuating said contact means comprising a plurality of timing cams driven by said timing motor operatively engaging said contact means, means to adjust the relative position of said cams, control means driven by said master motor, a circuit for energizing said contacts governed by said control means, and circuits for successively energizing said devices through said contact means, said last named circuits being controlled by said timing cams.

ALFRED C. ARBOGAST. 

